Living in Detroit, Dennis loved being outdoors, going to the beach, taking care of the lawns, training, loving and working with his dogs, and playing hockey. Then the opportunity to make the transition to God's country came about (during one of their BEST vacations in ages in 1984!) and the move to Traverse City with his wife Barb and the two dogs became reality. Oh joy, life had finally begun.

He had never fly fished, spent a little time catching lake perch, bluegills, nothing fancy. And then he met Mike Nolan and the beauty, rythm, pace, quietude and challenge of fly fishing was discovered and became a passion. It was a joy he never outgrew, along with the friendships of other like-minded nutcases, er gentlemen. His trips in the van out west with Eddie Clark are legendary.

Dennis Kyle Taylor, 72, of Traverse City passed away Sunday, December 13, 2015 four days shy of his 73rd birthday. His passing was sudden and somewhat unexpected, but quick and peaceful at home with Barb.

Dennis was born in Detroit, MI to the late Clarence and Constance (Lynch) Taylor. He attended St. Bernard Seminary in Detroit for his high school years and went on to earn his BA from Wayne State University. He became a teacher of English and Journalism at Detroit Central High School where he loved teaching and also coached JV football. He was also responsible for re-instating a Quill and Scroll club at this inner city high school. The students loved him right back.

He married Barbara Anne Baranyk on July 20, 1968 in her home town (of course) of Ambridge, PA. They met at a fraternity "mixer" and he was his usual charming self. It was love at second or third site (hard to remember) but it was true and lasting. And she was a nurse. One of his professors encouraged him to marry a nurse so that, if necessary, she could support him. True it was.

After a while teaching he knew there was something more to do so he went on to the receive his Juris Doctor from The Detroit College of Law in 1981. He graduated with honors and became a litigator mostly because he was a ham. Good teachers are excellent actors, able to hold the attention of students, and lawyers need a fair amount of the gift of gab so it was a good match. He also loved being a lawyer and was proud of his work.

Dennis enjoyed his time at the Old Town Playhouse, acting as Cardinal Richelieu and as Da, and serving on the board.

Dennis was a member and Past President of the local Ancient Order of Hibernians and was honored to be chosen Lord Mayor one year. He was extremely proud of how much money the Hibernians raised for the Father Fred Foundation over the years through their (gasp) annual cigar dinner. As a member and President of the Christ the King council of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul he was proud of their good works and how many people were given help for winter heating needs.

He served as an ambassador for the National Cherry Festival for more than 10 years, served on the NMC BBQ Board for 10 years completely believing in "giving back" to both the local and global communities of this world, and was a dedicated member and Lector of Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme for many years.

Fly-fishing and spending time outdoors were some of Dennis's favorite things to do. He couldnt wait for trout season opener and (drumroll please) TROUT CAMP! He was a member of the local chapter of Trout Unlimited and wondered why everyone wasn't. And he loved introducing newbies to the joys of fly fishing. Every year he took two weeks by himself to go out West to some of the finest waters west of the "holy waters", to fish and spend time in nature. In 2013 he thoroughly enjoyed visiting some National Parks in Utah for the first time. He was looking forward to returning to Utah to venture further but God had other plans. For about the last ten years some of Dennis and Barb's best vacations were spent at Joe's "cabin" on the Gallatin river in Big Sky, Montana. So much more of God's country, falling asleep at night with millìons of stars above and the sound of the Gallatin waters rushing outside. What wonderful times. Thank you so much Joe! We lost count of how many times we were able to visit Yellowstone.

Dennis also was a die hard Detroit Lions fan, loved the Detroit Tigers and University of Michigan (go blue!). He loved to watch all sports especially football.

Up until about two years ago he played hockey first with the C league and most recently on the G (for Geezer) league. He hated to hang up his skates but it just got too hard. He especially enjoyed joining the guys for a beer after the game at the Bay View Inn. After all, hydration is most important!

Dennis will fondly be remembered as a giving man and would have been proud to know that Gift of Life was able to help another person because of him. His smile, sense of humor, hard work ethic and love for the outdoors will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving Dennis is his wife of 47 years Barbara; sister Catherine Taylor, nephew Paul and niece Shawn, in-laws Robert (Phyllis) Baranyk, Stephen (Susie) Baranyk, Elaine (George) Molchan, Bernadette (Tom) Zoss, Nick (Christine) Baranyk; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews, beloved pets, Xena, Maggie Mae, Lady Cleo, Bob Cat and many other loving family members and friends. He would be so very pleased at the outpouring of love and support being shown to his wife Barb.

He is pre-deceased by four children, two stillborn sons, Ian and Michael, and two pre-born children, a brother Robert, and his parents.

Barb wishes to thank the kindness and caring by the Munson ER Staff during his final brief time with us, and his physicians Dr Brian Burke, Dr Kevin Clayton and Dr Michael Boros.

Visitation for Dennis will take place on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 4:30-7:30pm with a sharing time at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial offered by Fr. Ray Cotter will take place at 11am on Friday, December 18, 2015 at Christ the King Catholic Church with a visitation beginning at 10am. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrier Project, St. Vincent dePaul, or to a Pet Charity of One's Choice. (Three of four of Dennis' beloved pets were adopted from ACPaw, Cherryland Humane Society and PetSafe Rescue). Kindly share thoughts and memories with Dennis's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.